Hope in a time of crisis: The rising legacy of Allen Onyema

There are moments in people’s lives when they face overwhelming challenges that threaten their very existence. During such times, it often takes the emergence of a single figure to stem the tide of catastrophe. During the era of Chinese Emperor Yao, as the heartland of China was devastated by recurrent floods, the legend of Yu […]

There are moments in people’s lives when they face overwhelming challenges that threaten their very existence. During such times, it often takes the emergence of a single figure to stem the tide of catastrophe.

During the era of Chinese Emperor Yao, as the heartland of China was devastated by recurrent floods, the legend of Yu the Great emerged, straddling the line between history and myth.

Yu’s father had attempted to stop the floods by building dams and dykes but failed. In contrast, Yu took a different approach. He led efforts to dredge riverbeds and construct a vast network of canals to safely divert floodwaters into the sea. So dedicated was Yu to this task that he worked alongside labourers for 13 years, famously passing by his home three times without entering to see his family, prioritising the needs of the people over his own. At that moment, saving the entire country, not just his family, was his primary objective.

His innovative methods tamed the floods, allowed the land to thrive, and led to the rise of ancient Chinese civilisation along the Yellow River and its tributaries. Only after this success did he return to his family. His dedication and self-sacrifice earned him immense respect, and he was later chosen as the founder of China’s first dynasty, the Xia Dynasty.

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Today, Nigeria is inundated by various forms of floodwaters, both literal and figurative. Seasonal floods devastate communities, economic hardships drown many Nigerians, and waves of violence have left the country awash in blood.

Only a few days ago, suspected members of the Eastern Security Network massacred approximately 40 travellers. This recent act of terrorism comes from a group claiming to fight for a breakaway state and has consistently made life miserable for people in the Southeast through terror and violence that the Nigerian state has failed to address.

In other parts of the country, Boko Haram has resurged, attacking military bases in Rann, Gajiram, and Dikwa in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of at least four soldiers.

If one were to focus solely on these troubling incidents, this column would devolve into a source of misery, depressing both readers and the writer alike. Therefore, we seek silver linings and focus on them; we highlight positive stories that illustrate how we can change the narrative.

One of those silver linings is the efforts of some Nigerians working to rescue their fellow citizens in need, wherever they may be stranded. Many Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are in desperate situations requiring intervention.

One group of Nigerians trafficked for sex in Côte d’Ivoire was rescued largely due to the efforts of Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace. When he learned about the plight of 78 Nigerian girls, he sent an aircraft to bring them home from their hellish circumstances. All 78 girls were rescued, and Onyema personally welcomed them, encouraging them never to give up on themselves or their country. His words and actions inspired this column. He reminded them that there is no place like home.

In his remarks, one could hear a patriotic voice that transcends political rhetoric, manifesting in tangible actions that have positively impacted the lives of many he has rescued through his airline since its establishment in 2013.

Onyema has used the reach of Air Peace to be the first to rescue Nigerians in distress. Since 2019, he has evacuated hundreds of Nigerians caught in xenophobic attacks in South Africa and students trapped in the outbreak of war in Sudan, along with the recent rescue of trafficked Nigerian women in Côte d’Ivoire and other intervention missions.

These efforts have not only spared the government embarrassment but have also saved thousands of lives, along with the futures of their dependents. Onyema’s willingness to be the first to offer help at no cost is a tremendous service to the country, deserving of all the praise he receives and more.

I do not know Mr. Onyema personally or any of his associates, but I recall his passionate complaints during the scandalous attempts to “establish” Air Nigeria under the previous government. He raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the process, which some officials dismissed as the complaints of a disgruntled businessman whose proposal was deemed inferior. They claimed to have partnered with Ethiopian Airlines, which resulted in a rented plane labelled “Nigerian Air” being displayed at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport for a few hours, costing billions of naira that remain unaccounted for. It seems Onyema was onto something then, as many suspected.

While there is much to commend about Onyema’s commitment to humanitarian causes and his patriotic actions, it’s important to note that not everything is perfect. Concerns have been raised regarding Air Peace’s safety protocols. In 2019, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) accused the airline of failing to report serious incidents and deleting voice recordings before filing reports. These serious allegations must be addressed, and Onyema must ensure that his airline maintains a strong safety record and adheres to all safety protocols.

Perhaps the biggest blemish on Onyema’s reputation is the allegation of using the airline to commit fraud against the US banking system, along with accusations of attempting to obstruct investigations into his conduct by the US government.

These concerning allegations linger over Onyema, and once he clears his name, which I sincerely hope he does (as Nigerians deserve an untainted hero), his status as a national hero will be solidified. In the future, his statue, like that of the fictional Hans Brinker, may grace an important place in the country.

Hans Brinker, a fictional Dutch boy, noticed a small hole in the dyke holding back floodwaters. Realising the danger, he stuck his finger in the hole to prevent a leak that could compromise the dyke’s integrity. He held his finger there all night, risking freezing to death, until villagers discovered him the next morning and rushed to repair the leak. Thanks to his selfless act, Hans Brinker saved his village.

For many Nigerians stranded in foreign conflicts or crises, faced with overwhelming catastrophe, Onyema has stepped in just in time, like Brinker, or built the canals that saved a civilisation, like Yu the Great. In these desperate times, Nigeria needs a hero to inspire hope, and Onyema is rising to the occasion. He deserves his accolades.